Question:
Is it okay to use Naproxyn instead of Vioxx?
I was in the hospital recently after a car accident. I was given Vioxx in the hospital for inflamation and it was on the list of okay meds that I received from my surgeon. Upon release I tried to fill the prescription but Vioxx is not covered by my prescription and is prohibitively expensive for me to pay for. My home health care worker suggested naproxen for pain and inflammation. I am not a medical person but I understand naproxen to be an aspirin like medication. I can't find it on a list of medications that we can or cannot use. Does anyone know? — susanje (posted on March 30, 2003)
March 30, 2003
Hi, Naproxyn (I'm not sure this is the correct spelling) is not a drug we
should be taking - it is an anti-inflamitory (spelling) and is an asprin
like medication. I am taking Vioxx, and my provider is PacifiCare HMO -
this drug is not a generic - so I have to pay $25 for the pills instead of
$10. Your pcp can contact your health carrier and let them know that Vioxx
is a necessity for you.
— connie m
March 30, 2003
naproxen is the same ingredient as aleve. both are in the same family as
ibupropen(NSAIDs). I was told no asprin or NSAIDs ever after surgery..they
can cause stomach ulcers. Some surgeons are different though, I have heard
some docs allow celebrex and vioxx (they are also NSAIDs) and some don't.
— sheltie
March 30, 2003
Processing non-formulary requests is a big part of my job. You can do a
couple of thing here :1) Call your insurance company and find out who you
need to talk to to find out what meds like Vioxx are on the formulary, get
that information and give it to your doctor. or 2) call your insurance
company and see if there is a process to get a non-formulary drug approved
for you. I am 5 months post RNY and was given the okay from early on to
use Vioxx or ibuprofen. Neither has caused any probelm, but I don't take
them on a regular basis.
— koogy
March 30, 2003
They are both on the list of things we're not allowed (or not supposed) to
take post-op, just like the previous poster said. I would strongly urge
you to follow these guidelines, even with celebrex, etc. They can cause
bleeding ulcers, etc. I developed a perforation in my pouch from taking too
much medicine, and they weren't even anti-inflam. This is rare, but it did
happen to me. I think we sometimes don't realize just how small and
sensitive our pouches are. Maybe there is something else you can take? Feel
better- goodluck to you!
— Lezlie Y.
March 30, 2003
What everyone else says about anti-inflammatories after WLS is correct for
the great majority however there are certain instances when the rules need
to be broken. I lived on some prescription anti-inflammatory prior to
surgery, since 1995 for fibromyalgia and other muskuloskeletal issues.
Afte surgery I was shocked when I did not need them and did not hurt. I
thought they were gone for good. However, about 4 weeks out my body just
flared up again and it became very painful to do very much really limiting
my activity. I discussed it with my surgeon and while it wasn't his first
choice for me to go back on the Bextra he wanted me moving and if that's
what it took, then fine. I break the tiny pill in half and down each half
with food. I am just keeping my fingers crossed I don't end up with
ulcers. I really have no choice at this point in my life. Maybe after I
lose some more weight things will settle down.
<p>Discuss with your surgeon before taking anything. Vioxx is also
available in liquid form.
— zoedogcbr
March 30, 2003
Thank you everyone. Vioxx was actually on my approved list of drugs but I
can't find anything about Naproxen. I even had my orthopedic dr check with
my surgeon when I was in the hospital before I would take it. When I came
home I checked and it is on my list of approved meds. I just am very wary
of taking things that aren't mentioned. I will check with my surgeon
tomorrow and report back. I will also check with my insurance co about not
covering Vioxx.
— susanje
March 30, 2003
Susan, My list from my doctor (Kaiser)of meds NOT TO TAKE ever again after
WLS are Asprin,Ibuprofen,Naproxen, and meds with sugar, alcohol,fructose
and sorbitol. Good luck,
Mae
— Mae B.
March 30, 2003
Susan, My list from my doctor (Kaiser)of meds NOT TO TAKE ever again after
WLS are Asprin,Ibuprofen,Naproxen, and meds with sugar, alcohol,fructose
and sorbitol. Good luck,
Mae
— Mae B.
March 31, 2003
My arthritus is much worse since WLS and has now spread into my hands.
Evidently these three meds, Vioxx, Arthrotec 50 and Celebrex are all ok to
take. And they do help the pain greatly. HOWEVER I have noticed stomach
pain a few weeks after taking these. So I've stopped and have to endure the
painful arthritus. It is my hope that they rest of you can take these meds
without problems, but for some reason they seem to hurt my pouch.
— Danmark
March 31, 2003
Just in case it's not obvious, I have taken ALL three meds, but NOT at the
same time. ;)
— Danmark
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